Submitted by the team at Plumas Work Connection
October 1 - December 31, 2008
Plumas Work Connection
1953 E. Main Street Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-1606
www.aworkforce.org
Business Development
The Plumas Work Connection facilitated a meeting between American Valley Aviation (www.avamro.net) and Lear Siegler, Inc.(www.urscorp.com). LSI toured AVA and was presented with a plan of action for business development between the two companies.
With 40 years of experience, LSI is a major provider of operations, maintenance, modification, overhaul, systems integration, logistics support and training services to U.S. government agencies.
American Valley Aviation, Inc., services include remanufacturing and overhaul of ground support equipment, avionics repair, manufacture to print, custom design and modification, load testing, inspection and evaluation, program management, and engineering. AVA is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for the repair/overhaul of over 400 different stock numbered items.
By facilitating this meeting AFWD continues to focus on
our dedication to assisting business and job seekers with their pathways
to success.
########
Sexual Harassment Training for Managers and Supervisors
On October 9, 2008, area managers and supervisors saved time and money by receiving state mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention training locally in Quincy which meets California AB 1825 requirements for businesses employing 50 or more individuals. The supervisors and managers from such companies as Feather Publishing, LSI/ Sierra Army Depot, Sierra Cascade Family Opportunities and East Quincy Services District that attended felt that their time was well spent.
The interactive workshop covers a wide rage of topics. For example, answers the question of what constitutes sexual harassment. Many other topics are covered as well, including recent court cases affecting businesses, how to prevent harassment as well as how to respond to it.
Each participant received a certificate upon completion of the training.
########
New Executive Director for Womens Mountain Passages
Alliance for Workforce Development Inc,(AFWD) prides itself on welcoming new business representatives to the community. Human Resource Consultants Marilyn Brodie and Cathryn Sorenson of the AFWD welcomed Corla Bertrand as the new Executive Director for Women’s Mountain Passages on October 13th. According to Corla, she is "looking forward to developing relationships with individuals and businesses in the community". Corla extended an invitation to Women’s Mountain Passage “Meet and Greet”, held on October 15th at the Studio Gallery. Women's Mountain Passages works with women and youth improving their lives and facilitating social change in their communities through leadership development, advocacy, youth programs and support networks.
########
AFWD Rapidly Responds to
Sierra Pacific Industries
Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) contacted Wayne Bienkowski, Local Employment Representative of the Employment Development Department (EDD) and Cathryn Sorenson, Human Resources Consultant for the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.(AFWD) in order to facilitate a Rapid Response for a temporary lay off. A spokesperson for SPI stated that the downtime would affect 100 Quincy employees. Holly Schrimer, AFWD's Director of Business Services, Cathryn Sorenson, and Wayne Bienkowski met with Kristina Young Personnel Coordinator for SPI. One Hundred Unemployment Insurance applications were given to SPI and three different days and times were set aside for informational meetings to be held at the Plumas Work Connection.
The purpose of the meetings are to provide all laid off employees with assistance by quickly coordinating outplacement services and providing immediate aid to affected workers. Timely and effective services are provided to both employers and affected workers. AFWD’s Rapid Response team’s primary goal is to work with employers and employee representative(s) to expeditiously coordinate public and private efforts to minimize disruptions associated with job loss for individuals and communities.
We are pleased to report that all 100 employees have since returned to work at SPI.
########
Quincy Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon
The Quincy Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Luncheon on Wednesday
October 13, 2008 at the Plumas Sierra County Gem and Mineral Building.
Sarah Metzler, Executive Director of the Chamber, presented a summary
of the highlights of the year’s events, and introduced the newly
elected 2008-2009 officers.
Carl Ribaudo, Chairman of the Board of Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber
of Commerce, presented “Marketing the Uniqueness of Quincy”
to a broad representation of local businesses.
Marilyn Brodie, Human Resource Consultant, at the Plumas Work Connection
attended the event.
########
Presentation to Plumas County Management Committee
Since finalizing a Contract with Feather River Community College for
a Customized Job Referral Work/Study Program, Marilyn Brodie, HR Consultant
with Plumas Work Connection, has been contacting local employers to
present this valuable program and develop potential work sites. As a
result, she received a request from Chuck Leonhardt, Plumas County Assessor,
to attend the Plumas County Management Committee meeting on October
3, 2008. Chuck was very interested in the Job Development Program and
notified all the Department Heads that this topic would be discussed
at the meeting.
Holly Schirmer, Director of Business Services, attended the meeting
with Marilyn and the presentation was well received. Besides the FRC
Work/Study Program, the presentation also included other services that
AFWD provides such as business and job seeker services, workshops, training.
The County Managers were very enthusiastic and expressed their interest
in the many programs and services that we provide.
########
19th Annual Main Street Sparkle and Light Parade
The 19th Annual Quincy Main Street Sparkle and Light Parade, presented
by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, was an evening to remember. For the
first time, AFWD’s partner agency, Plumas Transit Systems, entered
one of their new buses in the parade. Plumas Transit Manager, Jimmy
La Plante, who drove the bus dressed in a Santa Suit, reported that
"next year the bus will be even more spectacular with additional
lights and decorations".
After the Light Parade, other events included music and entertainment
provided by local area groups, the arrival of Santa and the elves at
the Plumas County Courthouse, the Tree Lighting at the Courthouse, and
the Quincy merchants who host the evening with goodies and special holiday
bargains. A new event was added this year – the Sparkle Princess
Contest – for girls ages 12 to 17. The winner is named Sparkle
Princess and receives $100.00 in gift certificates from participating
Chamber of Commerce merchants.
————————————————
UPCOMING EVENTS
Labor Law Workshop - January 21, 2009
Entrepreneur Boot Camp - April 28th-30th, 2009